KARACHI: Plans for the closure of petrol pumps across Pakistan entered a new phase on Wednesday after dealers in the port city refrained from immediately declaring support for the shutdown announced by petrol pump owners.
Petrol Pump Owners Association had issued a directive to close pumps nationwide from midnight on July 22, following inconclusive talks between the Petroleum Pump Owners Association and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik. However, despite the push by pump owners, the Karachi Petroleum Dealers Association said dealers did not rush to align with the closure call.
The development comes after differences between the Karachi Petroleum Dealers Association and the Petrol Pump Owners Association over the strike strategy. With the issue still unresolved, an executive committee meeting of the Petroleum Dealers Association has been scheduled for today, during which a nationwide plan of action is expected to be discussed.
The dealers’ association indicated that, after consultations with counterparts across the country, a final decision will be taken on OGRA’s seven-day deadline. The outcome of the executive meeting will determine whether a nationwide strike will be pursued or whether alternative protest options will be adopted.
The Petroleum Dealers Association also claimed that the government has assured it will address the outstanding issues and has requested one additional week’s time to reach a settlement. OGRA is expected to be formally informed once the dealers’ association finalizes its course of action.
In its statement, the Petroleum Dealers Association reiterated that the government’s request for a one-week period will be considered through consultations, and that the final decision will be communicated to relevant authorities in due course.
